COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: FOLSOM BOULEVARD BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN OVERCROSSING FEASIBILITY STUDY 

The City of Folsom Parks & Recreation Department has begun a feasibility study for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Folsom Boulevard, between Blue Ravine Road and Glenn Drive. The goal is to identify a safe, convenient, cost-effective active transportation connection across Folsom Boulevard, linking transit, neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational attractions such as the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

The public is invited to a Community Workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 19 at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma Street. The workshop will include a project update from the study team, and the opportunity to share your input on proposed alternatives and aesthetic concepts for the bridge. Advance registration for the workshop is encouraged but not required to attend. Contact Senior Trails Planner Brett Bollinger at bbollinger@folsom.ca.us with questions.

FOLSOM'S CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN DEBBIE TO RETIRE AFTER 17 YEARS

If you raised young kids in Folsom, there is an excellent chance they attended storytimes with Ms. Debbie. That's because she has delivered an estimated 3,400 storytimes with an average attendance of 50 kids and adults over her 17 years with the Folsom Public Library. That makes 170,000 estimated attendees, or about 10,000 per year.

Starting in the old library building, Debbie shared her knowledge and love of children's books with Folsom residents. Before joining the Library, she owned a children's bookstore in Auburn. "Even though I am very excited about my upcoming retirement, there is much I will miss. I never tired of welcoming young patrons and their families to the Library, sharing stories and songs during our early literacy storytimes, and recommending books to avid readers of all ages. It was a privilege to share, promote, and nurture a love of books and reading with such a thriving community of readers," said Ms. Debbie.

Professionally, she is also known statewide for originating a new method for organizing storybook collections. Many libraries around the state replicated this method based on how well it worked here in Folsom. For many years, she served on the board of the California Library Association's statewide committee on Summer Reading Programs.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: COOKING SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU 

As Fire Prevention Week approaches October 8 through 14, the Folsom Fire Department reminds residents: “Cooking safety starts with you! Pay attention to fire prevention.”

The focus for this year is on cooking safety, which is in response to the National Fire Protection Association’s newest cooking fire data. According to the data, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.

Simple but important actions when cooking can help keep residents safe. The Folsom Fire Department offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:

• Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

For more information about the Folsom Fire Department, visit www.folsom.ca.us/fire. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.

HANDBLOWN GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH

Folsom Parks & Recreation and 2BGlass Studio present this popular annual event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 14 and 15 on the grounds of the Folsom Art Center, 48 Natoma Street. Themed outdoor displays will showcase more than 5,000 pieces of hand-blown glass art: pumpkins, acorns, fruits, vegetables, and other creations. Items are available in a variety of sizes and price points, providing the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind glass art created by brothers Aaron and Tate Bezdek, the owners of 2BGlass Studio, and talented glass artists from other regional studios.

Back by popular demand are the live glass blowing demonstrations where the artists will showcase the talents, skills, and steps involved in creating each work of art. Proceeds from this event benefit Folsom Parks & Recreation’s community arts education programs at the Folsom Art Center. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 916-461-6601.

COMPOST IS UNBELEAFABLE

Leaves are the perfect addition to your backyard compost pile. When combined with your grass clippings and food scraps and properly managed over the winter, you could have a nutrient-rich soil amendment in time for spring. Learn more about backyard composting at a free workshop hosted by the City of Folsom and Twin Lakes Food Bank.

Compost Workshop

Friday, October 13

10 to 11 a.m.

Mount Olive Church

320 Montrose Avenue, Folsom

(please park in the Eastside parking lot at Montrose Church)

For questions, email recycle@folsom.ca.us or call 916-461-6730.

If you want the benefits of compost but don’t have the time for backyard composting—pick some up for free at one of two community compost piles: behind City Hall at 50 Natoma Street or at the Hinkle Creek Nature Trail at 9700 Oak Avenue Parkway. This compost is free to Folsom residents and is made from materials collected from the curbside green organics bin.

HOLIDAY ART GIFT SALE VENDORS WANTED

The Folsom Art Center’s Holiday Art Gift Sale provides artisans and crafters the opportunity to display and sell handcrafted art, crafts, and gift items that are priced at $50 and under. The gift sale takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. November 17, during the Gallery at 48 Natoma exhibit reception. The deadline to apply for a vendor space is October 23. The gift sale is a juried event; selection criteria include the date the application is received, uniqueness of product category, and the details described in the application. Contact Leia Matter at 916-461-6674 or by email with questions.

NATURAL SCIENCE SEMINAR

Oaks in Our Landscapes: Appreciating and Caring for the Native Trees of Folsom

Join Pamela Sanchez of the Sacramento Tree Foundation for this informative presentation about the beautiful oaks and native trees of Folsom. Pamela is the Foundation’s Educa­tion Programs Manager and is an ISA Certified Arborist; she also holds a degree in urban forestry from UC Davis.

The seminar will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 25 at the Rotary Clubhouse, 7150 Baldwin Dam Road. Ages 10 through adult are welcome to attend; the registration fee is $5/person. Learn more and register online.

FOLSOM ZOO SANCTUARY’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is celebrating its 60th anniversary in October; that’s 180 in monkey years! You’re invited to visit and take part in the special activities Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8. Enjoy docent presentations, biofact displays, and keeper chats, meet some of the animal ambassadors, and stop by the card-making station to create a card to be placed by your favorite zoo sanctuary resident. The animals are also included in the festivities and will receive celebration-themed enrichment at various times. All special activities are included with regular zoo admission fees. Find more details about the zoo sanctuary, hours of operation, and ticket information at www.folsom.ca.us/zoo.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUES

Form a team of your outdoor soccer teammates and friends and come play indoor soccer at the Andy Morin Sports Complex! We guarantee a minimum of six games of fast-paced action and fun; playoff games may be scheduled to determine division champions. Boys’ and girls’ league divisions are for under 8 years through under 16 years, and include rec, academy/comp, and open. You must register as a team and registration must be completed in-person at the Andy Morin Sports Complex, 66 Clarksville Road. The priority registration deadline for resident teams (a minimum of 60% of the players must live in Folsom) is 5 p.m. October 27; after that time registration opens to non-resident teams. Registration for all teams closes at 5 p.m. November 10 or when full. Play begins December 3; call 916-461-6650 with questions.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

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City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us